About the IMEI and MEID Numbers
IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It’s a unique 15-digit number assigned to all cellular devices. The 14-digit MEID stands for Mobile Equipment Identifier and is similarly meant to identify a mobile device. It is sometimes known as an electronic serial number. You can translate the IMEI to a MEID by dropping the last digit. CDMA mobile phones and tablets on Sprint and Verizon networks have a MEID number, while GSM networks such as AT&T and T-Mobile use IMEI numbers.
IMEI and MEID Numbers on iOS Devices
If you have an iPhone or an iPad with cellular service, you can look up your IMEI or MEID numbers using this method. On an iOS device, tap Settings > General > About and then scroll down to find the IMEI and MEID numbers. Tap and hold either the IMEI or MEID to copy the number to your clipboard for pasting elsewhere.
IMEI and MEID Numbers on Android Devices
You have a couple of ways to check for the IMEI and MEID numbers on Android devices.
Go to the device’s Settings. From there, scroll down to the bottom and tap About Phone. Then tap Status and scroll down to find the IMEI or MEID number. Check Your Google Dashboard. Sign in to your Google Dashboard. Scroll down to the Android section and click on the arrow to expand it. Here you’ll find a list of all your devices and the IMEI numbers for each.
General Tips for Finding IMEI and MEID Numbers
Although there’s no universal shortcut for finding these numbers, one of several procedures should cover almost all devices.
Dial a Special Number
On some phones, you can open the phone dialing app and enter *#06#. Even before you tap the Call or Send button, your phone pops up the IMEI or MEID number for you to take a screenshot of or write down.
Check the Back of Your Phone
The IMEI or MEID code could be imprinted or engraved on the back of your phone, particularly for older-model iPhones that had it positioned near the bottom.
Check Your Battery
If your phone has a removable battery, the IMEI or MEID number could be printed on a sticker on the back of the phone, behind the removable battery. Power down the phone, take off the battery cover, and remove the battery to find the IMEI or MEID number.
